Even jewelry is turning to bamboo for inspiration. These elegant sterling silver bracelets are by John Hardy.

Even jewelry is turning to bamboo for inspiration. These elegant sterling silver bracelets are by John Hardy.

Even jewelry is turning to bamboo for inspiration. These elegant... Photo-902759.12446 - seattlepi.com

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The bamboo motif is branching out across the design scene, as in these in leafy images on toothbrush holders and soap dishes in bathroom collections from Target.

The bamboo motif is branching out across the design scene, as in these in leafy images on toothbrush holders and soap dishes in bathroom collections from Target.

The bamboo motif is branching out across the design scene, as in... Photo-902760.12446 - seattlepi.com

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Garden roses, such as the pink musk rose 'Robin Hood,' shown here with blossoms of hydrangea (left and right) and Astrantia (top), are favorites of Portland author Linda Beutler because of their fragrance and casual form. less

Garden roses, such as the pink musk rose 'Robin Hood,' shown here with blossoms of hydrangea (left and right) and Astrantia (top), are favorites of Portland author Linda Beutler because of their fragrance and ... more

Carmen Viig, lead tour guide at the Space Needle, talks with visitors Friday on the observation deck of the Seattle Center landmark. The 45-millionth visitor is expected to ride the elevator to the top this weekend ... and win a pair of tickets to Paris. less

Carmen Viig, lead tour guide at the Space Needle, talks with visitors Friday on the observation deck of the Seattle Center landmark. The 45-millionth visitor is expected to ride the elevator to the top this ... more

Mike Nelson, director of the Northwest Solar Center, and Mat Taylor, professor of architecture and construction management at Washington State University, carry a solar panel Thursday to the Zero Energy House at Shoreline Community College. less

Mike Nelson, director of the Northwest Solar Center, and Mat Taylor, professor of architecture and construction management at Washington State University, carry a solar panel Thursday to the Zero Energy House ... more

Simone Andrus in her store, Wide World Book and Maps. The store opened in 1976, one of the first shops dedicated to travel books, but it has since expanded to include travel gear and accessories. "We carry things that we use ourselves," Andrus says. less

Simone Andrus in her store, Wide World Book and Maps. The store opened in 1976, one of the first shops dedicated to travel books, but it has since expanded to include travel gear and accessories. "We carry ... more

Photo: Meryl Schenker, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Simone Andrus in her store, Wide World Book and Maps. The store... Photo-902782.12446 - seattlepi.com

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Philippe Kahn poses for a portrait with a camera phone in Santa Cruz, Calif. If Kahn feels a bit like a proud father when he sees people holding up their cell phones to snap pictures, there's good reason. He jury-rigged the first camera phone in a Santa Cruz labor-and-delivery room while his wife was in labor with their daughter. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) less

Philippe Kahn poses for a portrait with a camera phone in Santa Cruz, Calif. If Kahn feels a bit like a proud father when he sees people holding up their cell phones to snap pictures, there's good reason. He ... more

Photo: Associated Press

Philippe Kahn poses for a portrait with a camera phone in Santa... Photo-902783.12446 - seattlepi.com